Pedaling for Parkinson’s returns to Hood County YMCA

A program that could potentially change the life of someone with Parkinson’s disease is now back in Hood County.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s — a free program that was previously named Pedaling with a Purpose — will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Hood County YMCA located at 1475 James Road.

The 12-week program will allow those with Parkinson’s disease to participate in 45-minute spin/cycling sessions to help reduce their symptoms.

"The last time that we (held the program), we had people who said their sleep improved drastically, which is one of the big things that they struggle with," said Tracy Waddell, fitness instructor. “Constipation was also better, which is another thing they really struggle with. We did have some that had tremor reduction, but not as significant as what the statistics have been."

According to the Pedaling for Parkinson’s flyer, research has shown that the program has caused a 35% reduction in Parkinson’s symptoms from the simple act of pedaling a bicycle at a rapid pace — optimally, 80-90 revolutions per minute. However, Waddell explained that many participants are in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, and they are not able to pedal as fast as what’s recommended in order to alleviate symptoms.

“Most of the people who were in the program last time were very limited on what they could do, so without being able to get all the way up to the recommended speed, you're just not going to see the tremor reduction,” she explained.

The program had previously allowed stroke victims and those with other mobility issues like multiple sclerosis to participate, but the data-based program has since made some changes to its rules.

“They could use the recumbent bikes, but now we can't because they want every single person to have the exact same experience, so they'll know whether the data is true or not. We're having to use the spin bikes now,” Waddell said. “Before, they could also bring their husband or caregiver with them, and now they can’t do that — but it’s still a great program.”

The class is led by a certified group fitness instructor and will also include a pre- and post-fitness evaluation to gauge how much the participants are improving in the program.

"For people in the beginning stages of Parkinson’s, it would just be phenomenal to get started because the more you exercise, the better the symptoms are,” Waddell added. “They have found complete proof of exercise being about the only thing that alleviates the Parkinson's symptoms — besides medicine.”

The program is ongoing and free of charge. Participants do not have to be members of the Hood County YMCA to use the equipment.

Participants will also need to present a doctor’s release form before they will be able to join the class.

For more information or to submit required documentation, email communityhealth@ymcaw.org or call 817-624-9791.